Next 3 Pilgrimages!

Kristine Sinajon's least favorite blog post of all time.

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is basically wrapped up, and I'm already compiling a wish list of future adventures that I can take to further my personal development (and to shed a couple more pounds). And worry not, Kristine! None of these even approach the insane 700 mile length of the Shikoku pilgrimage. I'll be home for dinner! In no particular order. . .

 1. The circular pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash in Tibet. Mt. Kailash is a holy mountain that is revered in Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, an ancient pre-Buddhist Tibetan faith. Each has their own myth about the mountain; Hindus see Kailash as the throne of the destroyer god Kali, Tibetan Buddhists believe it is the home of the Buddha Demchok, and Jainism and Bon view the mountain as a seat of spiritual power where enlightenment can be attained. I was a little obsessed with this mountain during my army days, and doing the Shikoku pilgrimage reminded me of this old goal of mine. It's only about 60 miles around the thing, so most people knock it out in about 3 days. Enough time to get back to town and eat some yak cheese.

2. The Sea of Galilee Pilgrimage! Located in Israel, this one is fairly simple. You just walk around the Sea of Galilee! My spiritual relationship with Kobo Daishi advanced to a fairly advanced level as a result of the Shikoku pilgrimage, and I'd like to see if I can replicate that process to get to know the good old Son of God himself. By walking around the Sea of Galilee, you'll get to see what Jesus saw, eat what he ate, avoid the donkey dung in the middle of the trail that he, too, skillfully dodged. This could be a great one to get closer with the in-laws. In fact, this could be an entire family affair! And on the subject of donkeys, if anyone of the traveling party can't quite knock out the daily kilometers, maybe we could hire a four legged mount for them to travel on! Sky's the limit. In fact, I'll even temporarily rescind my dietary restriction on fish in order to get the full Galilee culinary experience. Probably only a bite or two though. Hate those tiny little bones.

3. The Bay Area Pilgrimage. There's nowhere I love more than the Bay, and what better way to get to know it better than by walking around it? More on this later. . .